48 hr shutdown affects normal life on day 1

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 20 : The 48-hour shutdown called by the  Native People's Committee Manipur following the killing of three civilians by suspected Kuki militants at Nongshum on October 19 morning affected normal life in the valley districts on day 1.
All small and major markets including Khwairam- band Ima Keithel, markers in Khurai-Lamlong area remained shut today.
Vehicular movements were restricted, educational institutions were closed, and attendance at Government institutions remained low during the day.
Members of the public, including Meira Paibis, members of clubs and organisations and volunteers enforced the shutdown at different places including Khurai-Lamlong and Wangkhei.
The protesters blocked all major roads in Imphal East using logs and other obstacles to prevent movement of vehicles.
Protesters sat on the middle of the roads and raised slogans condemning the 'Kuki militant attack' which killed three civilians and injured 3 others at Nongshum area.
Reportedly, several persons had gone to a hill in the area to collect firewood when they were sprayed with bullets by armed militants on October 19.
The ambush killed Arubam Ronil (35), Lairenlakpam Inaoba (57), both of Nongshum and Kshetrimayum Sushil (32) of Uyumpok village.
Arubam Ronil and Lairenlakpam Inaoba were killed on the spot and their bodies were dumped in front of the Chief Minister's residence by angry locals yesterday. Kshetrimayum Sushil succumbed to bullet injuries on the way to hospital.
The three injured who are receiving treatment have been identified as Ngangom Suraj (19), Meisnam Somendro (53) and Khomdram Bosan (45), all from Nongshum.
Enforcing the shutdown today, Meira Paibis and protesters demanded the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers to resign from their posts alleging they had failed to protect innocent civilians from militant attacks.
The Meira Paibis also called out BJP MP A Sharda for "failing to even condemn the killing".
The Meira Paibis demanded military crackdown on Kuki militants and urged the Government to abrogate the Suspension of Operations (SoO).